Beat the cold and pamper yourself

The cold temperatures and limited daylight of winter keep many people indoors and at home more often than they would like. The result for some is a case of the winter blues.

Here are some tips to help you get past them.

Find little things that cheer you

• Treat yourself to new flannel pyjamas, a polar fleece robe or a cozy, comfortable pair of slippers. Just be sure any footwear has a non-skid sole.

• Keep throws draped over chairs and across the foot of beds for easy access on chilly days and nights. These come in many fabrics, colours and prints to suit any décor, doubling as attractive home accents.

• Order take-out food for a change of cuisine. Try something festive and colourful – like Mexican or Thai food, for example.

Warm and brighten your décor

• Evaluate your lighting and change it where necessary, using higher wattage bulbs. Also, relocate lamps or bring spares out of storage.

• Use warm, rich colours, such as burgundy and gold, for cushion covers, tablecloths, place mats, a mantel scarf and so on. Brass accessories are also a winter favourite because they reflect light.

• Add texture with warm fabrics like velour, chenille and fleece — the softer, the better. Needlepoint cushions can help, too. And for even more texture, try a bowl of pinecones or potpourri, embossed candles or a grapevine wreath.

• Make generous use of candles, especially substantial pillar types. Place them in clusters and use scented varieties to increase the sensory impact. Note: Always take precautions against starting a fire — place candles where they can’t be knocked over and extinguish them before going out or to bed.

• Keep blinds and curtains open during daylight hours; close them after dark.

• Bring a bit of nature into your home: nurture some plants or buy fresh flowers.

Keep busy

Accomplishment brings satisfaction and a sense of renewal. Try new things or tackle a long-postponed project.

• Start a daily journal.

• Try some new recipes.

• Borrow or buy movies, music CDs and reading material, or re-acquaint yourself with old favourites you have on hand.

• Work on some challenging jigsaw puzzles or word puzzles.

• Play card games or board games with others in your household. Go with classic games such as checkers or chess, or be adventurous and try one of the latest offerings in stores. If you live alone, invite friends over for an evening of games and socializing.

• Start a new hobby, such as sketching or scrapbooking, or revive an old pastime – for example, knitting or woodworking.

• Get a bird feeder and seed, a pair of binoculars and a bird watching guide.

• Organize your collection of photos, music or movies.

• Do some de-cluttering around your home (kitchen drawers, closets, spare rooms and attics are typical hot spots). Donate unwanted items to a local charity.

• Rearrange the furniture in one or more rooms, or swap furnishings among rooms. Or start planning a major room redecorating or home renovation project.

• Do something nice for someone. It will take your mind off your own situation and make you feel good, too.

• Make an extra effort to look after your health, including exercising regularly – good for both your physical and mental well-being. A stationary bike or treadmill is a good choice — you can use it year-round in your own home.

Make special plans

• Plan an outing to a restaurant or a cultural event. Take a taxi to ensure door to door service; you won’t need to be concerned about parking or bundling up to stay warm.

• Plan a party, if you enjoy entertaining and feel up to it. Consider a tropical theme and enlist help from friends.

• Start planning a summer vacation or, better yet, a mini getaway for the near future – perhaps a weekend stay at a resort or country inn.

Lisa M. Petsche is a registered social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters.